Our Mission
Foundation Matters is a Christian Charity whose primary purpose is to build Biblical foundations in the lives of children and young people.
To fulfill this purpose, we run affordable camps at Pine Lake so that youngsters from all backgrounds can enjoy activities and learn more about the message of the Bible. We also produce and distribute resources to individuals and ministries around the world.
We have some way to go, but we are trusting in the Lord to provide the rest of the funding.
History
Jem and Sue Hudson have been involved with children’s ministry for more than 30 years. The question they have always asked has been, “How can we reach children and young people effectively with the gospel?”
In 2008 a planning consultant was employed for the construction of a £2.5 million Christian camp and training centre. This would accommodate 60+ children / young people as well as leaders. Included in the site plans was a multi-purpose sports, a woodland walk, a lake, staff accommodation, offices and a book cafe.
The planning officials believed that South Derbyshire District Council’s planning committee would give it the thumbs down due to the size and nature of the project. Instead, to the astonishment of all involved, on the 10th June, 2008 all 13 council members voted in favour.
Three days later the Hudson family sold their home and purchased a ten acre plot of land nearby. They moved into a static caravan and lived there for three years until the buildings were completed.
Jem and team got to work laying the access road a third of a mile long to the site. Thousands of trees were planted and two lakes have since been dug out of the ground. Foundations for the main camp centre and managers home were built before the logs arrived in May 2011. Made from Canadian sourced logs, the buildings were uniquely designed to have a “home away from home” feel.
The camp centre at Pine Lake opened in August 2014. The summer camps were full and have been popular ever since.
Watch the video to find out more.
What We Do!
Pine Lake Camp Centre
The Pine Lake camp centre is at the heart of our ministry. It is here where we run 3 day holiday camps for both children and young people. We also offer 2-3 day residential camps for primary schools. Throughout the year we run other events for adults such as mens/ladies breakfasts and discipleship holidays. We offer days and weekends for church groups to come and enjoy a time of fellowship and teaching. There really is something for everyone!
Schools Work
Some of our workers go into local schools and do weekly assemblies and after school clubs. The assemblies are always focussed on a Bible story – through these sessions we teach about what God is like and what Christians believe. Bringing the stories to life is a key part of what we do as our endeavour is make it engaging and exciting for the children. If your school is local to our centre and you would like us come and visit, please get in touch.
Bible Exhibitions
We provide three different Bible Exhibitions: “The Amazing Journey,” “The Life and Times of Jesus” and “The Amazing Acts.” Whilst we cover key areas in religious education, history and geography, children will also meet Biblical characters along the way. We make sure that the children understand that they are learning about “what Christians believe” and “what the Bible teaches.” These resources have been translated into multiple languages and have been used all around the world.
Resources
Foundation Matters produces resources for individuals and churches around the world involved in ministry. We have an artist who produces high quality graphics and others who are involved in developing other resources that are used in evangelism and discipleship. You will find most of our resources available for purchase on our store.